Pre-Show Entertainment
The show begins at Starlight Theatre before the main action begins with pre-show entertainment at Starlight!
Our gates open to the public early each Broadway show night so guests can enjoy live, local entertainment on the Spotlight Stage. And on concert nights, VIP guests arrive early to hear local Kansas City artists and bands perform on a stage within the VIP Applause Club.
Spotlight Stage
Located inside Gate 4 near Starlight’s north lawn, the Spotlight Stage is a 30-minute pre-show performance opportunity featured during select Broadway shows.
Designed as a dynamic community partnership initiative, Spotlight Stage provides local performing groups the opportunity to showcase their talents before thousands of Broadway patrons. The program supports both community visibility and Broadway engagement, creating a meaningful collaboration between Starlight and regional arts organizations.
On select evenings, additional community groups including dance studios, choirs, theatre programs, bands, and specialty performance ensembles take the stage to entertain early-arriving guests. Due to production restrictions, this stage is not programmed on opening night of each show.
Additional Pre-Show Entertainment at Starlight
- There are many other ways for early arriving guests to make the most of their Starlight night. Our suggestions include:
- Relax with a drink and snack alongside our beautiful Shirley Bush Helzberg Garden of the Stars fountain on the theatre’s east side.
- ‘People watch’ and unwind as you enjoy a light meal and beverage on the Encore Deck, just above the Helzberg fountain.
- Pose for a selfie or several in front of the many lush, landscaped gardens throughout our venue.
- Visit the Anita Gorman Donor Court of Honor, located between the two pavilions on the theatre’s north side. Look down to see a work of art, and then look up to read the names of generous donors – laser-etched into stainless steel rings – who have helped Starlight grow and glow!